Color-Blind Racial Attitudes in White Social Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Focusing on the results of one hypothesis in a larger study, this article examines level of social work education and color-blind racial attitudes in White social workers. Participants (n = 179) who were members of the National Association of Social Workers and self-identified as White, responded to an online survey and completed the Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS). Color-blind racial attitudes have been linked to prejudice in other studies. BSW-level practitioners were found to be less aware of racial privilege and blatant racial issues. The article addresses the findings and explores the implications for social work educators and social work practitioners.

Keywords:

• color-blind racism
• racial attitudes
• cultural competence
• social work education
• diversity

Notes

¹ Minority(ies) as used in this article refers to those who are oppressed, marginalized, and powerless. Although the appropriateness of the term is debated, it continues to appear in current literature.